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(Young writers society, 2007)
Teaching writing

It is important that children learn to write as writing is used for so many different purposes. These purposes include:

  • to write letters
  • to write emails
  • to organize information
  • to make lists and notes
  • to communicate

When teaching writing it is important to ensure that children can see a purpose for their writing (Hill, 2006 p.306). When teaching children to write, teachers use four major teaching strategies which are modeled writing, shared writing, guided writing and independent writing (Hill, 2006 p.299).

MODELLED WRITING
During modeled writing the teacher models the process of writing, talking aloud to the class about their writing as they go (Hill, 2006 p.300). For example, they discuss with the class how they can improve the information, the organization and the ideas of their piece of writing. The teacher may also discuss the spelling, syntax and punctuation with the students.

SHARED AND INTERACTIVE WRITING
When doing shared and interactive writing both the teacher and student take part in the writing process (Hill, 2006 p.300). Shared writing involves the teacher holding the pen and the students are invited to contribute their ideas to the writing whereas, interactive writing involves the student and the teacher sharing the pen and both parties contribute to the writing (Hill, 2006 p.300).

GUIDED WRITING
Guided writing involves the students working in small groups, in pairs or as individuals (Hill, 2006 p.301). For example, the children may be writing a small article for a class newspaper or just finishing off some writing they started during interactive writing.

INDEPENDANT WRITING
Independent writing refers to the child working with little help from the teacher (Hill, 2006 p.301). The children get to write about topics of their choice (Hill, 2006 p.301). For example, the children which may be a diary entry about what they did on the weekend or a short story about an experience in their life.

By Ashleigh Smith 700180008